View report page

HEALTH EDUCATION
The need for education in healthy living is more apparent now than is the
need for education in the prevention of disease, and the emphasis is gradually
changing from the monitory "Don't do this or that" because you will suffer, to
"Do do this or that" and you will maintain mental and physical health That
is not to say that the dangers of dirty or careless habits has lessened, but
there are signs that the Health Education of many years has made an impression
on the general outlook, though not to the same extent as in America or in the
Northern European Countries where we are considered to be dirty people., because
of the appalling amount of litter thrown on our streets and public places, and
because of our inefficient plumbing which is so susceptible to breakdown in
high temperatures, low temperatures, wind and storm But when the facilities
are there, and the provision of these improves every year, the people are learning
to make use of them. In many schools handwashing before meals is insisted on,
as it should be in every home spitting in streets and in public vehicles is
ceasing to be seen very often, handkerchiefs are used automatically by most
people who cough and sneeze, and the use of immunisation and vaccination is
well in the public consciousness.
In January, the Central Council for Health Education held a Seminar on the
subject of "Parents and Children" The main emphasis was on the production of
good relationships with and management of children to ensure mental health.
Prior to the visit of the Mass X-ray Unit to Chiswick Town Hall, much
publicity was arranged in newspapers, by posters, by the display of large street
banners showing the dates of the visit, and by a house to house delivery of
handbills to every house in the Borough carried out by the friendly offices of
volunteers, including the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides.
-35-